Product Core Brief
- Model:
- Brand: GE Fanuc / Emerson Automation
- Series: PACSystems RX3i
- Core Function: Mid-range single-slot embedded CPU for PACSystems RX3i platform, executes control logic, manages local and remote I/O, integrates built-in Ethernet, dual serial ports and USB RDSD storage port.
- Product Type: Single-width RX3i CPU Controller (occupies one backplane slot)
- Key Specs: 1.1 GHz Processor | 10MB User Memory | Single 10/100Mbps Onboard Ethernet | COM1 RS232 / COM2 RS485 | USB 2.0 RDSDNote: Active lifecycle mid-tier RX3i CPU; new original, surplus & refurbished stock available. Standard commercial PCB variant (non-conformal coated). CPU module itself DOES NOT support hot swap. Embedded Ethernet eliminates mandatory IC695ETM001. No legacy CPU315/CPU320 compatibility mode, cannot directly replace dual-slot legacy CPUs without project review.
Key Technical Specifications
- Processor: 1.1 GHz
- Boolean Execution Speed: Typical 0.072 ms / 1000 Boolean instructions
- Supported Programming Languages: LD, FBD, ST, IL, C program blocks
- Memory
- 10 MB User Logic/Data Memory
- 10 MB Non-volatile Flash
- Max 512 program blocks; single block up to 128 KB
- I/O Tag Capacity
- Discrete: 32K %I / 32K %Q
- Analog: 32K %AI / 32K %AQ
- Onboard Communication Interfaces
- Ethernet: Single RJ45 10/100BASE-TX
- COM1: RS232 (9-pin D-Sub)
- COM2: RS485 (9-pin D-Sub)
- USB 2.0 Type-A: RDSD removable storage for program upload/download
- Supported ProtocolsEthernet: SRTP, Modbus TCP Client/Server, EGD, SNTPSerial: SNP/SNPX, Modbus RTU Master/Slave, Serial I/O
- Backplane Architecture: Native RX3i PCI backplaneSeries 90-30 I/O support: Requires IC695LRE001 serial expansion transceiver on remote racks
- Power Consumption3.3 VDC: 750 mA5 VDC: 650 mA
- RTC: Battery-backed real-time clock
- Memory Retention: IC695ACC302 lithium battery; optional IC695ACC402 Energy Pack for power-fail flash write
- Front Panel LED Indicators: CPU OK, RUN, OUT EN, FORCE, SYS FLT, COM1, COM2, RDSD
- Hardware Switch: RUN / STOP / Memory Protect
- Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +60°C horizontal cabinet mounting
- Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ +85°C
- Form Factor: Single-width module, occupies one RX3i slot
- Compatible Baseplates: IC695CHS012, IC695CHS016 universal RX3i racks
- Supported Software: Proficy Machine Edition
- Agency Certifications: UL508, Class I Div.2, CE
Product Introduction
is the entry-to-mid range single-slot embedded CPU of the PACSystems RX3i family, targeted for machine control, packaging, material handling and light process automation.Integrated Ethernet and dual serial ports remove the requirement for separate IC695ETM001 communication modules in standard applications. The USB RDSD port enables offline program backup and restoration without an Ethernet programming connection.
Critical Variant & Migration Distinction
- : Standard commercial version, PCB without conformal coating.
- : Conformal coated variant for humid, corrosive environments. Electrically and functionally identical.
- IC695CPE330: 64MB memory, triple Gigabit Ethernet, higher performance, supports CPU320 compatibility mode.
- IC695CPU315/CPU320: Dual-slot legacy CPUs, no onboard Ethernet, physically different form factor.CPE310 cannot emulate legacy dual-slot CPU315/CPU320, existing CPU320 projects need program review before migration.
Important Limitation: Single Ethernet port without built-in switch; PLC daisy-chain requires external network switch.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency Building)
- Incoming Inspection: Verify part marking. Inspect backplane gold pins for bending/corrosion; inspect RJ45, serial D-Sub and USB port integrity.
- Live Testing: Mount onto validated RX3i baseplate. Load user control program, verify cyclic logic execution, test Ethernet, Modbus RTU serial communication and USB RDSD function, run continuous 24-hour stability test.
- Electrical Testing: Monitor backplane 3.3V/5V rail stability. Insulation resistance ≥10MΩ between communication field circuits and chassis protective ground.
- Firmware Record: Document CPU firmware revision; photograph front panel switch position before clearing resident program and retentive data.
- Final QC & Packaging: Place module inside anti-static shielding. Attach dated QC test tag confirming logic execution, Ethernet, serial and RDSD function validation prior to shipment.
Installation Pitfalls & Guide
❗ No Hot Swap Support: The CPU module cannot be hot swapped. Full rack power shutdown required before removal. Standard I/O modules support hot swap on certified baseplates.❗ Memory Capacity Limit: Only 10MB user memory; larger programs that run on CPE330 may fail after migration down from CPE330.❗ No CPU Compatibility Emulation: CPE310 lacks compatibility mode for CPU315/CPU320; legacy projects need program verification before migration.❗ Single Ethernet Port Limitation: No built-in switch; daisy-chaining PLCs requires external network switch (unlike CPE330 dual-port switched LAN2).❗ RDSD USB Limitation: Use industrial-grade USB flash drives; consumer flash drives may cause unstable recognition or data corruption.❗ Battery Maintenance: Without IC695ACC302 battery, retentive variables and RTC will be lost after power cycle.❗ ESD Risk: Static discharge damages Ethernet and serial transceivers, leading to random communication dropouts.
Replacement Guide
- Pre-install: Lockout-tagout rack power; back up complete PLC project. Photograph slot layout, Ethernet/serial wiring and battery connection. Confirm program size fits within 10MB memory limit.
- Removal: Disconnect all Ethernet, serial and USB cables; unlatch CPU and slide straight out without twisting backplane pins.
- Install: Seat new into target single slot, reconnect communication cables and confirm battery installation.
- Power-on Test: Restore rack power; confirm CPU OK / RUN LED status, download project, verify all communication channels and I/O scanning.
FAQ
Q: Does support hot swapping?A: No. The CPU module itself cannot be hot swapped. Standard RX3i I/O modules support hot swap on hot-swap rated backplates.
Q: What is the difference between and -ACAT?A: Functionally identical. -ACAT = conformal coated PCB for harsh humid/corrosive environments; standard has no coating. Mechanically fully interchangeable.
Q: What is the main difference between CPE310 and CPE330?A:
- CPE310: 10MB memory, single 10/100 Ethernet, no internal switch, no legacy CPU compatibility mode.
- CPE330: 64MB memory, triple Gigabit Ethernet with internal switch, supports CPU320 emulation.
Q: Can I replace IC695CPU320 directly with CPE310?A: Not plug-and-play. is dual-slot; CPE310 is single-slot. Additionally, does not support compatibility mode, program memory limits apply.
Q: Does it require separate IC695ETM001 Ethernet module?A: No. Onboard Ethernet is integrated; additional ETM modules can be added only for extra communication ports.
Q: Can this CPU connect Series 90-30 I/O modules?A: Yes, via IC695LRE001 serial expansion transceiver on remote racks. IC693 modules cannot be plugged directly into RX3i main backplane.






